Judge Hits Albert Lea Bar With $3K Daily Fine For Breaking COVID Restrictions
The Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro was found in contempt of court this week.
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The Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro was found in contempt of court this week.
The Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro has been in headlines for defying Gov. Tim Walz's executive order barring indoor dining.
Walz told reporters Friday that he doesn't condemn federal officials but acknowledged they set high expectations.
Wednesday's announcement to reopen restaurants on Monday comes as great relief to business owners in Minnesota, but they are scrambling once again.
It's been a chilly few weeks for Minnesota diners, with outdoor dining only -- but they will soon be able to warm up.
Unlike years past, there will be no crowds in the gallery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the DFL-led House plans to meet entirely online. Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Senate will attempt a hybrid approach, with some lawmakers attending at the Capitol and others attending virtually. The Capitol building remains closed to the public.
Indoor dining has not been allowed for almost two months in Minnesota, but Teddy Tschann, the governor's communications director, says Walz will "announce a loosening of restrictions on indoor dining and other settings" in an address scheduled for Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Alibi Drinkery, the Lakeville bar that's repeatedly defied Gov. Tim Walz's executive order, most recently on New Year's Eve, was vandalized overnight, covered in graffiti.
A Minnesota bar owner facing a possible five-year suspension of her liquor license for remaining open for indoor service says she's fine with that.
The Minnesota Legislature remains split after the 2020 election. When the session starts, the DFL-led House will meet entirely online because of the pandemic. The Republican-controlled Senate will try a hybrid approach.
Two of the largest school districts in Minnesota -- Anoka-Hennpin and St. Paul Public Schools -- have unveiled their plans to families for the return to full-time, five-days-a-week in-person learning.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka gathered with restaurant and bar owners Thursday to air frustrations about the continuing restrictions on dining inside, as other restrictions will loosen Friday.
Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that indoor service at restaurants, bars and breweries will stay closed through Jan. 11. But some businesses are choosing not to listen.
As Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday changes to the current dial-back restrictions, some issued statements saying that the relaxation of some restrictions doesn't go far enough.
As business owners celebrate the relief package, they also have questions about the future. Tomorrow, Walz is planning to announce changes to current restrictions.
Walz says the extension will help ensure the successful distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine across the state.
Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce his decision on his expiring COVID-19 restrictions this Wednesday. But dozens of businesses owners say they will open their doors whether he allows it or not.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has suspended an East Grand Forks bar's liquor license after the business repeatedly defied Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's latest executive order, which aims to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
He's waiting for guidance from experts before making a decision on whether or not to extend current restrictions. That decision will be made on Wednesday.
A bunch of the cars parked on the street had their tires slashed, and their windows spray-painted. One man told WCCO there were 11 vehicles in total hit.
The top four leaders in the Minnesota Legislature expressed optimism Friday that lawmakers can agree on a new coronavirus relief package in time for a Dec. 14 special session, though negotiations on what should go into the aid package were continuing.
Minnesota Management and Budget officials on Tuesday say the state's economic and budget outlook has improved since May, and a $641 million budget surplus is now projected.
Minnesota budget officials will release a fresh forecast Tuesday showing how bad a hit state finances have taken from the coronavirus pandemic.
Social media has been filled with news that Gov. Tim Walz spent the weekend in Florida, and that his net worth is $400 million -- claims that are both phony.
MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm believes it will likely be only another couple of weeks before we reach 400,000 cases.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Former President Barack Obama praised the actions of the "ordinary people in the Twin Cities" during the immigration surge earlier this year during the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday.
An international watchdog group has released a damning report on Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, calling for federal leaders to be investigated for creating a "human rights crisis," and urging local leaders to step up support for those impacted.
Minnesota's job growth outpaced national rates in May, while the state's unemployment rate ticked down slightly, according to data released Thursday.
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of a Texas man who challenged a federal law that bars certain drug users from having firearms.
Former President Barack Obama praised the actions of the "ordinary people in the Twin Cities" during the immigration surge earlier this year during the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday.
An international watchdog group has released a damning report on Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, calling for federal leaders to be investigated for creating a "human rights crisis," and urging local leaders to step up support for those impacted.
Minnesota's job growth outpaced national rates in May, while the state's unemployment rate ticked down slightly, according to data released Thursday.
A Twin Cities man is accused of stealing his dog from an animal hospital after it had been deemed dangerous and ordered to be euthanized by officials.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Father's Day!
Minnesota's job growth outpaced national rates in May, while the state's unemployment rate ticked down slightly, according to data released Thursday.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Father's Day!
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
Aaron Banks, 52, entered a guilty plea to one count of theft as part of a plea deal, according to court records.
A crash between an SUV and a motorcycle in eastern Minnesota earlier this month left three people dead, officials said.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Jim Troupis, Mike Roman, and Ken Chesebro entered not guilty pleas in Dane County Circuit Court on Tuesday to 11 felony forgery charges tied to a scheme to submit false electoral certificates to Congress after Trump lost Wisconsin in 2020.
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Hannah Dugan's obstruction of justice conviction will stand, rejecting her legal team's argument that a recent appeals court ruling should have invalidated the case.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
A man serving a life sentence in a Wisconsin prison for killing six hunters during a confrontation over trespassing in 2004 has died, officials said.
On the Lake Harriet shoreline in Minneapolis Saturday evening, dozens of children picked up a fishing rod for the first time.
Hours after the announcement, community members were eager to learn more about the one challenged with leading the most scrutinized police department in the country.
Created by Freedom Reads, a nonprofit organization in Connecticut, the Inside Literary Prize is the first major U.S. book award decided exclusively by incarcerated readers.
A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge after prosecutors say he hit and killed a person on a highway, then fled.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
Former President Barack Obama praised the actions of the "ordinary people in the Twin Cities" during the immigration surge earlier this year during the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday.
Former President Barack Obama praised the bravery of the "people of the Twin Cities" amid Operation Metro Surge during the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday.
An international watchdog group has released a damning report on Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, calling for federal leaders to be investigated for creating a "human rights crisis," and urging local leaders to step up support for those impacted.
The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of a Texas man who challenged a federal law that bars certain drug users from having firearms.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
For years, it was all hands on deck; a business model buoyed by a bevy of free time that sent sales surging in a way never before seen. But as Minnesota enters lake season, outdoor sales for boats, jet skis and more have almost dropped anchor.
Jester Concepts' Monday announcement noted that Borough will mark its remaining five weeks of service through June 27 with events celebrating the restaurant's history, and it encouraged customers to reserve tables during the final weeks.
A federal judge ruled ICE failed to show enough evidence to justify holding Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident detained for 80 days after speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.
A Twin Cities man is accused of stealing his dog from an animal hospital after it had been deemed dangerous and ordered to be euthanized by officials.
If the case is moved to federal jurisdiction, it will still be prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.
Federal officers arrested two more anti-ICE protesters Wednesday in the Twin Cities, with both going before a judge in St. Paul federal court hours later.
A St. Paul man is accused of threatening Kaohly Her when she served in the Minnesota House of Representatives on the day her colleague Melissa Hortman was assassinated inside her home.
Emily Pearson has a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, painful reactions to sunlight.
Jenn Glass has been taking a GLP-1 since last November. The 53-year-old mother of three has already lost more than 30 pounds, but she's focused on something beyond the number on the scale.
It's a gruesome problem impacting livestock in southern states and veterinarians worry it could come to Minnesota.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
HCMC in Minneapolis got what they wanted, a large financial boost from lawmakers, and now the leaders of Minnesota's busiest trauma hospital say they'll put their money where their mouths are and get to work restructuring finances.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Father's Day!
Twin Cities native Michael Larsen, better known as Eyedea, made a name for himself with his freestyle battle rap skills and as one-half of the duo Eyedea & Abilities.
Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from the "Star Wars" sequel "The Empire Strikes Back" is expected to sell for at least $1 million at an upcoming auction.
Rio de Janeiro's Military Fire Department said one of the helicopters crashed in the parking lot of a car dealership, where several electric vehicles were parked, igniting a fire.
There's plenty to do in Minnesota this weekend, including some major anniversary parties, Maple Grove's ever-popular Chalkfest and much more!
Olivia Miles set a WNBA rookie record with 24 first-half points on her way to a career-high 31 and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Los Angeles Sparks 99-83 on Wednesday night.
Minnesota coach Dawn Plitzuweit has welcomed an infusion of new talent and agreed to a new contract.
It may have been a bumpy start when Jayden Kurtz first stepped on the ice. Fast forward 15 years and Kurtz is coming off a week spent at the NHL draft combine.
This time in track and field, Lucy Haugland is competing in the 400, 800 and 1,500 meters in front of a hometown crowd.
Trevor Larnach led off the game with a home run, Kody Clemens added a three-run shot and the Minnesota Twins clinched another series in Texas with an 12-2 victory over the Rangers.
After disputes about ballots and concerns about voting totals, businessman Kendall Qualls won the endorsement.
Minnesota's endorsing conventions are over, and the story of the weekend is the upset of House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the GOP governor's race.
Minnesota's election season officially kicks off this week as both major parties hold conventions to endorse candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, with competitive battles on the Republican side and clearer paths for Democrats.
Both parties begin the endorsement process today in Rochester and Duluth, with the August primary just two months away.
Friday, the Democratic and Republican parties begin the process of endorsing nominees for statewide offices.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
The sign is 51 feet tall and 63 feet wide. And when it was built 85 years ago it was one of the largest neon signs in the entire country.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
A big birthday party is coming up this summer, one that every American can celebrate. And it could help the fireworks industry explode with record sales. WCCO explores how much Americans spend each year on fireworks.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
Milder winters mean more ticks survive to the following spring, and a southern species that can trigger a red meat allergy is now gaining ground in Minnesota as a result.
She didn't win her party's endorsement, but Republican Lisa Demuth plans to keep running for governor anyway. History shows that might actually work in her favor.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
There will be another (isolated) severe thunderstorm threat before a decent (and dry) weekend, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
High pressure nudging in from the west will bring more sunshine later on Thursday.
Another weak system slides by Friday bringing the chance for a few showers into the afternoon, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Breezy northwest winds and lower humidity will keep temperatures near 70 degrees. It will feel noticeably cooler than earlier this week.
Chef Chris Nelson from CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar shares the basics of making a delicious sushi roll.
Tom Truzinski, who leads one of the nation's largest faith-based recovery organizations, says a near-fatal motorcycle accident 31 years ago changed his life and his relationship with God.
Natalie Morales is speaking publicly about her mother-in-law's early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis to help others recognize warning signs and learn about newer diagnostic tests and treatments now available.
WCCO's Frank Vascellaro and Amelia Santaniello share the latest news headlines and updates from Thursday afternoon.
There will be another (isolated) severe thunderstorm threat before a decent (and dry) weekend, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.